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From the Editor’s Desk

Dear fellow Vets/Readers,

It’s my turn this time to address you. Although this might be circumstantial, I look at it as an opportunity to reach you directly. But, I am not going to use this opportunity just to emphasize which has already been emphasized before in this column number of times i.e. the Vet Profession in our State; but rather I would like to request and look forward for your support in taking this publication ahead with some rejuvenation, novel ideas

and inputs. After editing 4 previous issues of News Link, I am of the opinion that, we all as Vets are doing great job in our respective areas, but most of the times fail to communicate what must be communicated to our professional brothers and sisters. We take this aspect very lightly, and generally think that, if somebody is doing this job, it’s his or her job. I would say a big….NO…. to this insensitive gesture. Especially when the Country is looking at us as a State with great potential in Vet related professions and education as rightly focused during the recently held “All India Conference on Livestock and Dairy development” at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, I feel it’s our duty to strengthen this cause. A linkage between all of us is the key to move forward in the right direction. News Link has a potential to provide this Linkage, and I welcome you all to be a part of this Vet-centric and fantastic journey.

In this issue, we are introducing two new columns viz. Vet Entrepreneur- A Success Story and the Feedback column. I hope and wish that you give us some of your valuable time in reciprocating by giving your feedback as well as the pertinent news items for the subsequent issues.

With best wishes…..

Dr. Mayurdhvaj JhalaEditor

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:All India Conference on Livestock and Dairy Development:

In collaboration with number of non-government organization and various state departments, the Government of Gujarat successfully organized the “All India Conference on Livestock and Dairy Development” at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar on 11-12 June, 2013. The conference was inaugurated by Hon. Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in presence of dignitaries from various countries, state governments, farmers and animal owners invited from all over India.

The conference served the purpose of providing national platform to all the stake holders across the country for designing a road map for development of the livestock and dairy sector. It provided a stage for sharing success stories in the sector from the Gujarat State and from other States too. There were deliberations on the strategies for the development in the sector with showcasing the Indian breeds. The importance of livestock and dairy activities particularly for the empowerment of rural women and increasing rural employment was also appraised.

There were more than 25 technical sessions with informative lectures delivered by the experts, covering different areas of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. More than 5500 participants, experts and dignitaries from across the country attended the event. One day field visit was also organized covering important destinations in Gujarat which have contributed to rapid development of Animal Husbandry sector. The event was a grand success in term of creating awareness among large group of dairy farmers across the country.

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:GVC NEWS:

• World Veterinary Day celebrationA technical seminar on “Role of Veterinarians in prevention of diseases & protection of livestock and human health” was organized at Veterinary College, JAU, Junagadh on 27th April, 2013. Veterinarians from all over the Gujarat state, academicians and retired scientists participated in the seminar. Scientific lectures with interaction between academicians and veterinarians about vaccination and strategies for prevention of diseases in animals were held. More than 300 participants actively took part in the event in addition to 130 students and interns. The seminar was also attended by office bearers of local body of Indian Medical Association.

Dr. N.C. Patel, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, JAU, Junagadh chaired as a president of Inaugural function of the Technical Seminar. Dr. A.J. Kachhiapatel, Director, Dept. of A.H., Gujarat State was invited as the Chief guests. Dr. C.J. Dangariya, Director of Research & Dean P.G. studies, JAU, was invited as a Guests of Honour. Dr. K.S. Prajapati, Professor & Head, Dept. of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary College, Anand, delivered a lecture on “Vaccination: The only way by which poultry industry survives”. Dr. R.M. Patel, Professor & Head, Dept. of Vet. Medicine, Veterinary College, NAU, Navsari, delivered a lecture on “Rabies: A fatal zoonotic disease”. Dr. B.N. Suthar, Professor & Head, Dept. of Vet. Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Veterinary College, SDAU, S.K. Nagar delivered a lecture on “Prevalence, zoonotic importance and control of Brucella infection”.

On this occasion, Gujarat Veterinary Association gave awards to three distinguished VETs. Dr. P. C. Shukla was awarded “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his distinguished contribution , Dr. K. S. Prajapati was awarded “Exemptery Vet Award” by GVA for his services to Veterinary Profession

and Dr. Snehal. M. Patel was given “Meritorious VET Award of the year”.

• New veterinary practitioner’s register of newly registered veterinarians during the year 2012-13 was prepared and six copies of the same were submitted to Veterinary council of India, New Delhi.

• One fourth part of Income from new / renewed registration was deposited to Veterinary council of India, New Delhi.

• As on 31/03/2013, the Gujarat veterinary Council has 3466 registered members.

• GVC has registered nearly 150 members, renewed nearly 1000 members and issued Final certificates/Renewal certificates & I-cards.

• Gujarat Veterinary council has taken initiatives to make aware 12th Science stream students for appearing in the All India Pre Veterinary Test-2013 for filling up 15% of total number of seats in veterinary colleges. The council published an advertisement in two leading Gujarati News Papers in all their editions. As a result, 113 candidates appeared in this examination held on 11-05-2013 at H.K .Arts College, Ahmedabad.

• The Gujarat Veterinary Council has financially supported to organise seminars namely,

“Ration Balancing for Dairy Animals” at Sabar Dairy, Himmatnagar on 18-03-2013;

“Effect of Climate Change on Livestock Production” at Frozen semen station, Patan on 18-04-2013; and

“Advanced technology on Dairy farming” at Sumul Dairy, Surat on 05-05-2013.

• Gujarat Veterinary Council celebrated World Veterinary Day-2013 at Veterinary College, Junagadh on 27-04-13, the theme of which was “To Prevent & Protect”.

:ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT:

• STATEWIDE ANIMAL HEALTH CAMPS: A CAMPAIGN OF CARE

Considering the significance of animal health care, Gujarat has embarked upon an intensive, integrated Animal Health Care Drive since 2002, in which month-long Animal Health Camps, or Pashu Arogya Melas, are conducted every year. At these camps, specialized animal health care services, breeding facilities and extension activities are offered to rural livestock-owners at their doorsteps, free of cost. These camps

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have been organized with the active involvement of dairy co-operatives, local bodies and huge public participation. During these camps, animals are treated for various illness, vaccinated against economically important diseases, scrub animals are castrated and deworming provided free of cost. Since 2012, this flagship campaign of Animal Health care has been combined with Krushi Mahotsav considering the impact among the livestock owners of the State.

During the 9th Krushi Mahotsav of the year 2013, 4296 Animal Health camps (First time ever in single campaign) were organized, in which, more than 14 lakh animals were treated for various diseases, about 49 lakh animals were vaccinated, 0.87 lakh artificial inseminations were performed and 0.90 lakh Animal husbandry input kits were distributed benefitting more than 3.18 lakh of livestock owners. The innovative practices of dentistry, orthopaedic care and optical surgery have been the area of attractions among the livestock owners during last two Pashu Aarogya Melas. Hon`ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the regional Animal Health Camps at Radhanpur (Dist. Patan), Bharuch (Dist. Bharuch), Limkheda (Dist. Dahod) and Jamjodhpur (Dist. Jamnagar).

The intensive animal health care drive during Animal Health Camps have resulted in a drastic reduction in occurrences of as many as 122 diseases, in spite of adverse situations such as natural calamities. This improved health status has also resulted in enhanced production and productivity of milch animals of the State, which in turn has benefited 42 lakh families rearing livestock for their livelihood.

:GUJARAT LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT BOARD:

• Technical Seminar on “Effect of Climate Change on Livestock Production”GLDB organized a technical seminar on “Effect of Climate Change on Livestock Production” at State Frozen Semen Production & Training Institute, Patan on 18th April, 2013 with the financial aid of

Gujarat Veterinary Council (GVC), Gandhinagar. The event was presided by Shri Babubhai Bokhiriya, Hon. Cabinet Minister, Water Resources (excluding Kalpasar), Water supply, Agriculture, Co-operation, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Cow Breeding. Shri Liladharbhai K. Vaghela, Hon. State Minister, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Cow Breeding and Social Welfare was the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished guests to grace the inaugural function were Dr. D. H. Brahmbhatt, Chairman, GLDB and Secretary, Co-operation, Animal Husbandry, Cow Breeding, Dairying and Fisheries; Dr. A. H. Bhatt, President, GVC; Shri D. H. Patel, DDO, Patan and Dr. Hita Patel, CEO, GLDB. Total 146 delegates from Department of A. H., State Milk Co-operative Unions, NDDB and State Veterinary Colleges participated in the seminar.

Hon. Chairman, GLDB, Dr. D. H. Brahmbhatt emphasized the role of Animal Husbandry and its activities in improvement of socio-economic level of livestock owners. Hon. Minister of State, Shri Liladharbhai Vaghela elaborated the importance of continuous research work and its implementation in rural areas for the improvement of livestock productivity. Hon. Cabinet Minister, Shri Babubhai Bhokhiriya gave informative speech on history of Patan and Siddhapur towns of Patan district. He also deliberated importance of cow, cow milk and cow breeding and its role in human Health. He expressed concern about the effects of global warming and expected some innovative solutions from the seminar. Dr. Lal Krishna, Former Asst. Com., Min. of Agri., GOI; Dr. A. J. Dhami, Professor and Head, Department of Animal Reproduction & Gynaecology, Veterinary College, Anand and Dr. Shailesh V. Shah, Research Scientist, Livestock Research Station, Anand deliberated on the effects of climate change on Livestock Health, Reproduction and Productivity, respectively. They also suggested the measures to be adopted to minimize the losses and maintain the animal productivity.

• Information Education CampaignGLDB implemented Breed Improvement Project in tribal areas of Gujarat State. One of the components

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of this project is ‘’Information Education Campaign” to provide technical and scientific guidance regarding animal husbandry activities to livestock owners. Under this scheme, 10 documentary films (each film of 20 minutes) of different subjects covering Animal Husbandry activities have been prepared. The set of these documentary films was released on 18th April 2013 by Hon. Ministers Shri Babubhai Bokhiria and Shri Liladharbhai Vaghela in presence of other dignitaries. CDs of these documentary films will be distributed to Gram Panchayat and Rural milk co-operative society.

• Gauchar Development Scheme in Rural AreaThe dairy sector in Gujarat contributes around 70% of the total income from livestock. Moreover, about 42% of the total 1.02 crore households own cattle and buffaloes. Animal feed and fodder shares 70% cost of total cost of Animal husbandry. Area under fodder crops covers 8.64 lakh hectares land. Permanent pastures/other grazing area cover only 8.53 lakh hectares. Gujarat State has very well developed Dairy sector with 79.76 lakh cattle, 87.74 lakh buffalo and a total 235.15 lakh livestock population. A large gap exists between demand and supply of Fodder in Gujarat. Availability of dry and Green fodder was 140.17 and 731.86 lakh MT in the year 2011-12 respectively, whereas demand is 307 and 921 lakh MT respectively.

It is therefore imminent to adopt a multi-pronged strategy for adequate availability of fodder and to overcome huge shortage of Fodder. GLDB implemented a project for fodder development in gauchar land in rural areas of Gujarat at the cost of Rs 480 lakh. It covers 4 districts, 4 talukas in each district, 3 villages in each taluka and each village covers 10 hectares. Thus, total 48 villages and 480 hectares land were covered in Gujarat state to improve availability of fodder to animal keepers at rural level.

:GAUSEVA & GAUCHAR VIKAS BOARD:

Gauseva & Gauchar Vikas Board; Gujarat Cancer Research Institute, Ahmadabad and Gauvigyan

Adhyayan evam Shodh Sansthan, Jamnagar jointly organized a “National Workshop on Panchagavya & Cancer” on 23/4/13, Mahavir Jayanti, along with Free Diagnostic and Treatment Camp for Cancer Patients. More than 125 scientists and invited guests participated, while 63 patients were diagnosed and treated.

The Workshop was presided by Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria, Chairman, Gauseva & Gauchar Vikas Board, who inspired and encouraged all for Gauseva and Cancer treatment with Panchagavyas. He also inaugurated new ‘Cancer Research Institute on Panchagavya Ayurved’ with the other guests. Web site for Cancer Research “www.ayurved4cancer.org” was launched by the Chief Guest Dr. Ashok Varshney, Akhil Bharatiya Sangathan Sachiv, Arogya Bharati, Bhopal. Guest of Honour, Resp. Shree Sunilji Mansinhkaji, Prabhari – Govigyan Anusandhan Kendra, Nagpur, who is also a Member of Patent committee on Gaumutra with anti-cancer properties also graced the occasion.

From GCRI, Dr. Vikas Vaiko – Onco Surgeon, Dr. Dipa Rajan and Dr. Dipika Sinha – Onco Gynaec had given their valuable services for the Diagnostic camp. Scholars of Research Training Program were felicitated with scholarships of Rs. 10,000/- each. The whole program was arranged by Dr. Hitesh Jani, Chairman – Gauvigyan Adhyayan evam Shodh Sansthan, Jamnagar and his team.

:DAIRY NEWS:

• Sabar Dairy organizes a Technical SeminarA Technical Seminar sponsored by Gujarat Veterinary Council on “Ration Balancing for Dairy Animals” was organized by Sabar Dairy on 18th March, 2013 at Himmatnagar. Large number of Veterinarians from Co-operative dairies, State Animal Husbandry Department, Academicians from Veterinary Colleges of Anand, Sardarkrushinagar and Navsari as well as Members of GVC Executive Committee attended the Seminar.

Shri Jethabhai Patel, Chairman, Sabar Dairy, stressed the need to test the feed and fodder by scientific means and

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design the appropriate feeding schedule for the animals so as to minimize the cost of production as well as to provide balanced ration to the animals. Dr. Babubhai Patel, Managing Director, Sabar Dairy, explaining the meaning of “Ration Balancing”, signified the organization of such a Seminar. He stressed that by providing a balanced ration, we can reduce the cost by 7%, which also help in reducing the methane gas production and thus the environmental damage. Sabar Dairy has planned to cover 40,000 animals through 400 Milk Co-operatives under this programme. Dr. Y. J. Brahmbhatt, Vice President, GVC, elaborated on significance of extension services by the Veterinarians so as to bring awareness in the farmers for balanced ration. Dr. M. R. Garg and Dr. B. M. Bhanderi from NDDB and Dr. C. T. Patel from Banas Diary delivered the invited lectures, which were very informative to the participants, and resulted into fruitful interactions. Dr. N. H. Kelawala, Dean, Veterinary College, Navsari; Dr. N. M. Shah, I/C Dean, Veterinary College, Sardarkrushinagar; Dr. K. S. Prajapati, Prof & Head, Veterinary College, Anand; Dr. K. V. Patel, Regional Join Director and Dr. Hita Patel, Registrar, GVC also graced the occasion and provided useful inputs.

• Technical Seminar at Sumul Dairy, SuratA technical seminar on “Advanced technology on Dairy farming” was organized at Sumul Dairy on 5th May, 2013, with financial assistance from GVC. Nearly 200 Veterinarians from all over the Gujarat state and retired scientists participated in the seminar. Shri Mansingbhai Patel, Chairman, Sumul Dairy, Surat chaired as the President of Inaugural function of the Technical Seminar. Dr. A.J. Kachhipatel, Director, Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Gujarat State was the Chief Guest of the function. Dr. A. H. Bhatt, President, GVC; Dr. Hita Patel, CEO, GLDB; and Executive Committee Members of GVC were present. Dr. S. N. Sane, Farm consultant, delivered a lecture on “Modern Farm Management”. Dr. Ranjitsinh Rana, Veterinary College, NAU, Navsari, delivered a lecture on “Glimpses on advance technology in dairy Farming”. Dr. Pradeep Mahajan delivered a lecture on “Animal Nutrition on farm management”.

• Amul to become $4 bn brandHome grown Amul brand is all set to touch US $ 4 billion mark. The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) that markets country’s largest FMCG brand has clocked a provisional sales revenue of Rs 13,750 crore (US $ 2.55 billion) which is 18 percent more compared to last financial year when the dairy cooperative’s sales had reached Rs 11,676 crore. With this, country’s largest dairy brand has touched the 20,000 crore (US $ 3.7 billion) mark in its sales including the unduplicated sales of Amul products marketed by all the member unions of GCMMF - the apex marketing body of all the district dairy unions of Gujarat. It is worth mentioning that GCMMF is hoping to achieve Rs 30,000 crore turnovers in financial year 2018-2019 instead of year 2020 which it had earlier set as target for itself.

This year, Amul’s total milk procurement has reached 133 lakh litres per day (LLPD)- 19 per cent growth compared to last year. In 2010-11, its total milk procurement was 96 LLPD. Within two years, it has registered a procurement growth of 40 per cent. GCMMF is planning to invest Rs 3,000 crore in doubling its processing capacity for milk products in next six years.

:COLLEGE NEWS:

COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SCIENCE & A.H., AAU, ANAND

• Best Veterinary College of the year Award

College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, AAU, Anand, received the “Best Veterinary College of the year Award” by Time Research Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, under the aegis of India Education Excellence Award 2013. The Anand Veterinary College was selected among the other Veterinary Colleges of India for this Award, which is a matter of pride for the State as well as AAU, which is making progressive strides under the able leadership of the Vice Chancellor Dr. A. M. Shekh. The Award was received by the Dean of the College Dr. A. M. Thaker, along with the AAU Director of Research Dr. K. B. Kathiriya and Registrar Dr. P. R. Vaishnav, at a glittering function held at New Delhi on 10th April, 2013. The College, which is completing its 50 years of existence in 2014 and is gearing up for the grand Golden Jubilee Celebration, has established itself as a centre for excellence in the field of Veterinary education and research. This coveted Award has stimulated the teachers, scientists and students of the College for striving further in their efforts to sustain and extend the progress of this prestigious Institution for the betterment of Livestock and farmers of the State and the Country.

• SVSBT-ASCAD Seminar, 9th March, 2013Veterinary College, AAU, AnandA National Seminar on “Advances in Animal Health & Application of Biotechnology and 1st Annual Convention of the Society for Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology

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(SVSBT)” was jointly organized by the SVSBT, Indore and College of Veterinary Science & AH, AAU, Anand - 388 001 on 9th March 2013 at the Auditorium of BA College of Agriculture. It was sponsored by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Gujarat State, Gandhinagar under the aegis of Assistance to State for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD). More than 325 delegates from within and outside the State mainly field Veterinarians of AH Department and Co-operative dairies, as well as Faculties and PG students from Veterinary Colleges of SAUs, Gujarat, participated in the Seminar. Nine lead papers were deliberated by the eminent speakers from the diverse field of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology from within and outside the state. More than 50 contributory research papers were also displayed in two poster sessions with Awards to best posters. A Souvenir cum Compendium of lead papers and contributory research abstracts from the participants was also released on the occasion.

Dr. A.M. Shekh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Anand Agricultural University presided over the inaugural function of seminar. Dr. A.J. Kachhiapatel, Director of Animal Husbandry, Gujarat State was the Chief Guest of the function. Dr. R.S. Shrimal, President of SVSBT and EX-Director of Animal Husbandry, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Indore, and Dr. K.B. Kathiria, Director of Research & Dean PG Studies, AAU, Anand, graced the function as Guests of Honour. Dr. A. M. Thaker, Dean and Dr. A. J. Dhami, organizing secretary and his team worked hard for the grand success of the event.

• Dr. S. Abdul Rahman, President of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA) and Ex-Dean, Veterinary College, Bangalore, visited College of Veterinary Science & A. H. on 18th March 2013. He visited the Departments of Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary Parasitology, Animal Biotechnology and Veterinary Surgery & Radiology, and was very much impressed by the facilities and the activities. He also had Meetings with the Director of Research & Dean P.G. Studies, Dr. K. B. Kathiria and the Dean, Dr. A. M. Thaker, and discussed about the possibility of collaboration of CVA with Dept of Veterinary Microbiology for Rabies diagnosis and research work. In the afternoon,

he delivered a lecture to the faculty and P.G. students on “Challenges to Veterinary Profession: Role of Commonwealth Veterinary Association”. From the Animal Husbandry Department, Dr. A. G. Panchal (Joint Director, Rajkot), Dr. S. S. Taunk (Deputy Director, Gandhinagar), Dr. Khanusia (DHO, Anand) and Dr. Maqbul Vohra (Asst. Director, Anand) also attended the lecture.

The CVA has a membership of 54 Commonwealth countries of the world. Dr. Rahman is the Chairman, Animal Welfare Working Group of World Animal Health Organisation (OIE), Paris; and Consultant to WHO on Strategic Framework for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses in South-East Asia. He is also the current President of Association for Prevention and Control of Rabies in India (APCRI).

• Dept of Veterinary Microbiology, College of veterinary Science & A. H., organized a Guest Lecture on “Bovine Tuberculosis: Challenges and Opportunities” by Dr. F. Mukherjee on 16th January 2013 at Veterinary College. Dr. Mukherjee is working as Scientist-III, R & D, Indian Immunologicals, NDDB, Hyderabad. He has about 27 years of research experience in various areas of Veterinary Microbiology especially Bovine Tuberculosis and Brucellosis.

• Mr. Raj Patel from U.K. delivered lecture on “Food Safety and Quality: Chemical contaminants and International Trade” at the Conference Hall, Veterinary College, Anand on 15th January 2013 at 4:00 p.m. He is presently working as Independent Food Safety and Laboratory Expert Consultant and Research Fellow at Royal Holloway University of London and Forensic Science and Drug Control Centre, University of London. He apprised the audiences about food safety issues, drug residues, chemical, microbiological, radiation contaminants and their detection at national and international level and discussed burning many issues like “Indians choosing between hunger and malnutrition or safe and wholesome food”. This ignited the minds of audience to take some action on food safety issues.

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COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SCIENCE & A.H., SDAU, SARDARKRUSHINAGAR

• World veterinary Day Celebration

The World Veterinary Day was celebrated by the College of Veterinary Science and AH on 27th April, 2013at Dr. V. M. Jhala Clinical Complex, Deesa. The dignitaries from Co-operative Dairies and NGO’s besides academicians and students of veterinary profession attended the event with great enthusiasm and also shared the various activities related to theme “Vaccination to Prevent and Protect”. In view to theme, canine anti-rabies vaccination and health check-up services were offered to a large number of pet owners. The technical quiz and professional extempore activities exclusively for veterinary graduating students were also organized. The function was chaired by Dr. K. Shreedharan, the Hon’ble Vice chancellor of SDAU, Sardarkrushinagar. Dr. H. N. Kher, Registrar of the University cum Director, Human Resources Development and Dr. N. M. Shah, i/c Dean of Veterinary Faculty, were also present to bless the event. The Vice chancellor appreciated the diversified role of veterinarians in livestock and other sectors apart from their contribution in management of diseases of zoonotic importance and thereby keeping the human society healthy. The Director, HRD emphasized the future need of appropriate policies of vaccinations while Dr. Shah highlighted the services of clinical complex and also encouraged the participants.

• Pashupalan Shibir organizedThe Dantiwada Taluka Pashupalan Shibir was organized at Prof. V. R. Mehta Auditorium, Sardarkrushinagar, in Collaboration with Department of A. H., Government of Gujarat on 16.03.13. In all, 253 dairy farmers from different villages of Banaskantha district participated in the shibir. Dr. K. Shreedharan (Vice Chancellor, SDAU), Dr. R. L. Patel (Director of Research & Dean P. G. studies ), Dr. H. N. Kher (Registrar & Director of HRD) and Dr. N. M. Shah (i/c Dean, Veterinary College) graced the function. Dr. N. M. Shah , Dr. K. M. Jadhav, Dr. H. R. Parasani, Dr. H.D. Chauhan, and Dr. Modh, Veterinary Officer delivered the expert lectures on various topics

like vaccination of animal and its advantage, way of reducing cost of milk production, deworming and its important and maintenance of health of an animal. Dairy farmers actively participated in question-answer

session following each lecture. Shrimati Ajababen Karubhai Chaudhary a progressive and innovative dairy farmer of Dhaneri village of Dantiwada taluka expressed her success story and shared her experience with other dairy farmers.

• Mr. Munna Lal, a final year student of the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sardarkrushinagar secured All India Second Rank in the All India ICAR Junior Research Fellowship entrance examination.

COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SCIENCE

& A.H., JAU, JUNAGADH

• During World veterinary Day Celebration on April 27, 2013, a huge rally of students, faculty members and participants of the seminar from the state was organized for public awareness. Various scientific slogans were displayed with placards and banner along with distribution of pamphlet to peoples for awareness towards prevention of diseases in livestock with vaccination and maintenance of excellent hygienic condition. A general knowledge quiz competition amongst five teams of students from each semester was fruitfully arranged. Winner and runner-up teams were felicitated with prize and certificates.

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• Animal Health CampsVeterinary clinical camps (n=9) were organized by the College at various places like Bhanwad (2), Khorasa Gir, Dhari, Khorasa Ahir, Balagam, Morbi, Chhapri and Jam Jodhpur. Clinical Camps were conducted in collaboration with “Saurashtra Prani Kalyan Trust” and Animal Husbandry Department of the State. Ten more clinical camps were also conducted in the villages of Una Taluka as a part of Krushi Mahotsava-2013. During these clinical camps, 4405 animals were treated for different Surgical, Gynecological and Medical ailments.

VANBANDHU COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SCIENCE & A.H., NAU, NAVSARI

• ASCAD Technical Seminar organizedA one day state level technical seminar was organized under ASCAD programme on “Advances in Veterinary Practices for sustainable Productivity and Health” by the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Veterinary College, NAU, Navsari jointly with Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Govt. of Gujarat on 23rd Feb., 2013. The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. A.R. Pathak, Hon. Vice Chancellor, NAU, Navsari with Dr. Harpal Singh. During technical session, three lectures were delivered by the expert speakers which were followed by plenary session. Total 173 participants from the state as well as PG students participated in the seminar.

• Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR) visited the college on 18th June along with Dr. A. R. Pathak, Vice chancellor of the University. He visited various departments and the facilities at the College and was happy to see the progress of the college.

• A seminar for the innovative farmers was organized on the subject “Nafakarak Pashupalan” on 1st May, 2013 as part of celebration of Gujarat Gaurav Divas by Vanbandhu Veterinary College in collaboration with Sumul and Vasudhara dairy. The seminar was inaugurated by Hon. VC of Navsari Agricultural University Dr. A.R. Pathak in the presence of Shri Mansingbhai Chaudhary, Chairman, Sumul dairy,

Surat. Total 11 progressive animal owners shared their views on the dairy business and management with other farmers and animal owners. Smt. Maltiben Chaudhary, a progressive animal owner from Mansa taluka, also encouraged the farmers for the dairy business during inaugural session. Some of the progressive farmers of the region were awarded by the cash prizes by the Animal Husbandry department, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar. Dr. Bhavesh Trangadiya and Dr. Gaurav Pandya coordinated the organization of the seminar in the guidance of Dean of the college, Dr. N.H. Kelawala.

• The College clinics building was inaugurated by Hon. CM, Gujarat state, Shri Narendra Modi on 1st May, 2013 during Innovative Farmers’ Meet and Exhibition on the occasion of Gujarat Gaurav Divas. A book entitled “Cradling Success” depicting about the five years activities of the college was released by Hon. CM on 18th May, 2013 as a part of Krushi Mahotsav 2013 meet at Bharuch.

• During the period, the college organized trainings for six batches of each, vets and paravets under ASCAD training programme. Total 36 vets and 56 paravets were trained.

• Dr. Mamta Janmeda, Asst. Prof., AGB department, underwent three months advanced training on “Allele Mining” at Texas University, USA as a part of ICAR–NAIP sponsored programme.

• Training on Bakrapalan for the farmers of Surat and Tapi was organized by Agro I.T.I. and Livestock Research Station, Navsari. The farmers were trained for the profitable goat husbandry through various scientific methods. The training was organized during 10th – 14th June, in which totally 18 farmers were benefited.

: VET ENTERPRENEUR – A SUCCESS STORY:

Initial academic failures do not mean that a Vet cannot achieve a success in his professional pursuit. This fact is clearly exemplified by Dr. Harishchandrasinh Jadeja, a practicing Vet in Kutch district. Dr. Jadeja earned his B.V.Sc. & A.H. degree from Veterinary College,

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Sardarkrushinagar in the year 1996 after struggling very hard to perform better in academics. Obviously, as a graduate with poor academic record, he had difficulty in getting a job in Government service or Dairy sector, especially in his native Kutch district. So, he started with his job at Swaminarayan Temple Gaushala with a pay of Rs. 1500 per month. During this period, he also started giving free treatment to stray animals and got associated with Animal Welfare activities in Bhuj and SPCA. Then, he started Mobile Clinic in Bhuj and also worked with DRDA in Watershed Project with different local NGOs. After that worst earthquake in Kutch in 2001, he worked with several National and International NGOs like Caritas-India, Oxfam India, CRS-India, VHAI Voluntary health association of India-Delhi and Ceci -Germany for Earthquake Livestock Project. Then, he worked for 2 years as a Project Manager of VHAI Project Aparajita.

Challenge followed again as he had to leave the job because of acute hepatitis and had to take bed rest for quite a long time. But, he was not to give up, and this time started a Vet Wholesale business in Bhuj, which was followed by a Dog Clinic in Bhuj, Dog Hospital in Gandhidham, Dog Training School in Bhuj, Animal Feed Supplement Marketing Agency namely “Hi Care Animal Health” and Sky Vet health care for large animals and dogs, Injectable Marketing Agency namely “Apicure Pharma”, and LI Live Stock Centers in Aanjar, Gandhidham and Sukhpur of Kutch districts. In the process, he could give employment to 3 livestock practitioners and 2 vets, and also to 5 persons in different Vet businesses. Recently, he has renovated his west land to agriculture land at his native village and started farming with solar panel and drip irrigation. Veterinary College at Sardarkrushinagar invited him as a Guest to address the budding graduates during Valedictory function in 2010.

:PROFILE:JAMES HERRIOT

James Herriot was the pen name of James Alfred Wight, FRCVS, also known as Alf Wight (3 October 1916 – 23 February 1995), a British veterinary surgeon and writer, who used his many years of experiences as a veterinary surgeon to write a series of books of stories about animals and their owners. He is

best known for these semi-autobiographical works, which are often referred to collectively as All Creatures Great and Small, a title used in some editions and in film and television adaptations.

In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based at 23 Kirkgate in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to

remain for the rest of his life. On 5 November 1941, he married Joan Catherine Anderson Danbury. The couple had two children, James Alexander (Jim), born 1943, who also became a vet and was a partner in the practice, and Rosemary (Rosie), born 1947, who became a physician in general practice.

Wight served in the Royal Air Force in 1942. Later, he moved with his wife to a house on Topcliffe Road, Thirsk, opposite the secondary school. The original practice is now a museum, “The World of James Herriot”. He later moved with his family to the village of Thirlby, about four miles from Thirsk, where he resided until his death. In 1969, Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He took a pen name, choosing “James Herriot” after seeing the Scottish goalkeeper Jim Herriot play for Birmingham City F.C. in a televised game against Manchester United.

Wight was found to have prostate cancer in 1991, and underwent treatment in the Lambert Memorial Hospital in Thirsk. He died on 23 February 1995, aged 78, at home in Thirlby. On 29 July 2009, UK-based open-access rail operator Grand Central Railway, which operates train services from Wight’s birthplace of Sunderland to London King’s Cross (calling at Thirsk), named Class 180 DMU No. 180112 (British Rail Class 180) “James Herriot” in his honour.

Contrary to popular belief, Wight’s books are only partially autobiographical, with many of the stories being only loosely based on real events or people. Wight’s son, Jim, states that a lot of the stories, although set in the 1930s, 40s or 50s in the books, were actually inspired by cases that Wight attended in the 1960s and 70s. From a historical standpoint, the stories help document a transitional period in the veterinary industry; agriculture was moving from the traditional use of beasts of burden (in Britain, primarily the draught horse) to reliance upon the mechanical tractor and medical science was just on the cusp of discovering the antibiotics and other drugs that eliminated many of the ancient remedies still in use. Wight (as Herriot) occasionally steps out of his narrative to comment, with the benefit of hindsight, on the primitive state of veterinary medicine at the time of the story he is relating; for example, he describes his first hysterectomy on a cat and his first (almost disastrous) Caesarean section on a cow.

The Herriot books are described often as “animal stories”, (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his “little cat-and-dog stories”.) and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Furthermore, it is Wight’s shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its flavour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients and his writing is, at root,

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an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the elements of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, and, sometimes, triumphs. The books have been adapted for film and television, including a 1975 film titled All Creatures Great and Small and a long-running BBC television programme of the same title. At the time of his death, the Reader’s Digest Condensed Book volume containing All Creatures Great And Small (Volume 96, 1973 #5) was the most popular book in that series’ history. His last book, Every Living Thing, immediately went into the top 10 bestseller list in Britain, and had an 865,000 copy first edition printing in the United States. In 2010, the BBC commissioned a three-part drama called Young James Herriot for the BBC, inspired by the true story of James Herriot/James Wight and how he learnt his trade in Scotland. In September 2010, the Gala Theatre in Durham presented the world premier professional stage adaptation of All Creatures Great & Small.

(Source: Wikepedia)

:APPEAL:• The oldest College of our State, College of Vet.

Sci. & A.H., Anand will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee in 2014. Advanced planning for various activities to be undertaken in a befitting manner throughout the Golden Jubilee year is underway. Suggestions and suitable help/assistance from all the alumni of the College are invited by the Dean Dr. A. M. Thaker (amthaker@aau.in; Phone: 9998009970). Those who wish to donate for this noble cause and events may kindly contact the Dean or Dr. Y. L. Vyas (Phone: 9426018634).

• GVC News Link will be published bi-annually, i.e. during the months of January and July every year. The GVC members are requested to contribute the news items, information, achievement, events etc worth publishing in News Link, with a very brief write-up (upto 10 sentences) and a good quality photograph. The same can be sent to registrar@gvc.org.in and mkjhala_2003@yahoo.co.in.

• GVC also makes an appeal to all those who have not yet registered for GVC or have not renewed their registration. Renewal fee is Rs. 15/- for every five years.

• GVC members who have not obtained their Registration certificates as per the VCI Act, 1984, are requested to make applications for the new certificates to GVC.

• If Only They Could Talk (1970) • It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet (1972) • All Creatures Great and Small (1972)• Let Sleeping Vets Lie (1973) • Vet in Harness (1974) • All Things Bright and Beautiful (1974)• Vets Might Fly (1976)

• Vet in a Spin (1977) • All Things Wise and Wonderful (1977)• James Herriot’s Yorkshire (1979) • The Lord God Made Them All (1981) • Every Living Thing (1992) • James Herriot’s Cat Stories (1994) • James Herriot’s Favourite Dog Stories (1995)

Books by James Herriot

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